Channing Tatum approached for "Captain America"

Cast member Channing Tatum poses at the premiere of the movie ''G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra'' at the Grauman's Chinese theatre in Hollywood, California August 6, 2009.

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Add Channing Tatum to the list of actors being considered for the role of Captain America.

The co-star of the recent weepie "Dear John" now joins soap star Wilson Blethel ("The Young and the Restless") and Mike Vogel ("She's Out of My League"), who have screen-tested, as well as Chris Evans ("Fantastic Four"), who has read for the part. Marvel Studios is also still keen on Garrett Hedlund ("Tron Legacy").

At this stage Tatum, who just wrapped filming on the Steven Soderbergh action flick "Knockout," has only been approached for the role and has not seen a script. The actor played Duke in "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra," but despite that movie doing modestly at the box office, fanboy reaction was muted and its viability as a franchise is set on neutral.

Tatum certainly has the heft for Captain America, but can he play the 98-pound weakling alter ego Steve Rogers was before taking the super-serum which turns him into a perfect human specimen? This could be Tatum's chance to pull a "Machinist" -- Christian Bale lost 60 pounds for the role in the 2004 drama which, while attracting some heat from health groups, received acclaim for his performance in that movie.

Casting for other roles in the Captain America movie is just as hot.

Hugo Weaving's deal is still being worked on, though not much movement has occurred since last week.

And the search is on for the female lead. Details for the part are being kept secret for now but it is rumored to be his flame Betsy Ross (ironically, named after the woman who is credited with creating the American flag). Keira Knightley was approached last week, but the studio is also looking at other actresses.